Potassium Persulphate

Other names: Potassium persulphate, potassium peroxydisulphate

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Potassium Persulfate, or according to the Czech names potassium persulfate or potassium peroxydisulfate, is an inorganic substance in the form of white crystals. It is a powerful oxidizing agent used in industrial production for a wide range of applications. When in contact with body tissues, through inhalation, ingestion or direct contact with skin or eyes, Potassium Persulfate can cause injury and irritation. Due to its aggressive nature, its handling is therefore reserved for professionals.

Potassium persulphate is primarily used as a polymerisation initiator in the manufacture of plastics and rubbers, particularly in the preparation of high molecular weight polymers. It is also a component of some hair dye removal products, where it oxidises the dyes contained in the hair. It is also used in the cosmetics industry, specifically in products designed to remove unwanted hair. Interestingly, it is also used in the field of electrical engineering, where it has applications as an etching agent in the manufacture of printed circuit boards. Potassium persulfate also has an important role in biochemistry and molecular biology, where it is used in DNA extraction kits to break down cell walls to facilitate DNA extraction. From the above examples, it is clear that potassium persulfate finds applications in many fields due to its unique properties.